Explore Asheville’s Winter Sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, Hiking, and More
Winter Adventures Near Downtown Asheville
Perched below North Carolina’s highest eastern peaks, Asheville is a natural gateway for winter enthusiasts. Within minutes of the city, a wealth of activities—from ski slopes and snow tubing to zip‑lines and guided hikes—await.
Ready for a personalized itinerary? Our Curated Asheville Experiences team crafts tailored tours that showcase the best winter activities while adhering to social‑distancing and safety protocols.
Winter Sports at the Adventure Center of Asheville
Just five minutes from downtown, the Adventure Center of Asheville offers the region’s most accessible winter fun. For ages 8+, the Asheville Zipline Canopy Tours let you soar above the city’s skyline—private runs available for enhanced distancing. Younger flyers (4–10) can tackle the KidZip Park’s nine ziplines and four climbs, ranging from ground level to 25 feet.
Test your agility on the seven aerial trails at the Asheville Treetops Adventure Park, featuring 77 elements that ascend from the ground to 50 feet. When the terrain is dry, the Kolo Bike Park presents four miles of trails, two pump tracks, and multi‑lane jump lines; riders may even rent a Rocky Mountain bike to venture beyond the property.
Special Deal: In winter 2021, guests who presented a lift ticket from a local ski, snowboard, or tubing resort received 20% off each Adventure Center ticket.
Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow Tubing
Located just 35 miles west, Cataloochee Ski Area offers a vertical drop of 740 ft across 18 trails and five lifts. Four miles away in Maggie Valley lies Tube World, a multi‑run tubing park that delivers fresh, snowy fun.
To the north, Wolf Ridge Ski Resort provides a 700‑ft vertical drop with six slopes and three lifts. Their lodge features three fireplaces where guests can warm up between runs, and a nearby tubing park offers a 60‑by‑100‑ft wide, 350‑ft-long slide—ideal for family fun.
Winter Hiking
With fewer crowds and clearer views, winter hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway offer a tranquil experience. The high‑elevation sections often remain snow‑free, making for mild days that are perfect for exploring. Check our top five winter hikes near Asheville, and choose from guided tours led by local experts.
On rare occasions, the high‑altitude trails reveal a frozen waterfall. Our partner, Namaste in Nature, blends yoga, meditation, and hiking to bring you closer to one of Western North Carolina’s most stunning waterfalls.
Snowshoeing
With a sturdy jacket, hiking boots, and gloves, Hike Bike Kayak Asheville supplies snowshoes and poles for a curated snowshoeing experience. Groups of two to four receive transport to the mountaintops and a hot‑cocoa return ride, all guided by a certified Blue Ridge Naturalist.
Ice Climbing
Even beginners can attempt single‑pitch ice routes with Fox Mountain Guides. No gear is required—just bring an adventurous spirit. Ideal conditions typically arise from late November through February.
Lindsey Grossman contributed to this report. Header image courtesy of Cataloochee Ski Area; Treetops Adventure Park photo provided by Adventure Center of Asheville; ice climbing image by Maggie Smith.
